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guardarsi alle spalle

Meaning: To remain vigilant and aware of dangers or threats that might come from behind.

Language: Italian

Literally: to look behind oneself at the shoulders

Category: Body & Senses

Origin: The phrase pictures someone literally glancing over their shoulder to detect threats approaching from behind.

More idioms — Body & Senses

  • far battere il cuore — To cause someone to worry or to stir romantic feelings in someone.
  • mandare giù — To accept or tolerate something unwillingly, often swallowing one's pride or doubts.
  • battere i tacchi — To run away or flee hastily.
  • a viso aperto — Openly and frankly; without deception or concealment.
  • mettere le corna — To commit infidelity against a partner; to cuckold someone.
  • senza capo né coda — In a senseless or disjointed way; without coherence, order, or point.

More Italian idioms

  • qui casca l'asino — That is the crux of the matter; that is where the real difficulty lies.
  • mettersi al passo con i tempi — To keep up with current events or modernize one's knowledge and habits.
  • battere la grancassa — To advertise or publicize something widely and loudly; to spread news or promote somethin…
  • con beneficio d'inventario — To accept something with skepticism or reservations, not at face value.
  • perdere il filo — To lose one's train of thought or become confused about a subject during conversation or…
  • questione di lana caprina — A trivial or pointless debate that wastes time and produces no useful result.

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